Hyderabad student reported missing in the US, parents receive ransom demand

A 25-year-old student from Hyderabad has gone missing in the United States. Mohammed Abdul Arfath, who is studying Information Technology at Cleveland University in Ohio, has not been in touch with his family since March 7. His parents in Malkajgiri district received a ransom call demanding $12,000 for his release.

Arfath went to the US in May 2023 and has not contacted his family since March 7. His relatives and friends in the US filed a complaint with the Cleveland police on March 8, who have issued lookout notices for him. The family was informed by an unknown caller that Arfath had been kidnapped by a drug-selling gang in Cleveland.

- Advertisement -

Despite the ransom demand, the caller did not specify the payment method but threatened to sell Arfath’s kidney. His father, Mohammed Saleem, reached out to the Indian Consulate in Chicago for help and has also appealed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to assist in locating his son.

The family is deeply concerned about Arfath’s safety and well-being, and is actively seeking assistance from authorities to find him. They are hopeful for a safe return and are doing everything they can to locate him.

- Advertisement -